Dr Safety

Today's entry is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention... Many people are prescribed antibiotics without good reason. This may lead to resistance of bacteria, overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, and possibly even death. Taking medications unnecessarily exposes one to the harmful side effects and drug-drug interactions of these medications without the benefit. The CDC is trying to prevent these problems by educating patients and physicians regarding the proper use of antibiotics. Next time your doctor prescribes an antibiotic ask questions like: What disease/infection are treating me for? Is there a clinical guideline you are following? Is my infection actually bacterial? What can I do to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea? How do I take this medicine safely? Will it interact with my current medications? What are the side effects I can expect? From CDC: "Upper respiratory infections account for three quarters of all antibiotics prescribed by off...

A moment of silence for those victims of the 9-11 attacks on the USA in 2001. May we never forget the price we pay for our freedom. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families. Take a moment today to remember those who have died in the service of our country in the War on Terror.

There is much written about America's "best" hospitals and doctors. Entire national magazine issues are dedicated to such proclamations. Whole industries have popped up to measure "quality." So much in fact that one would think everyone knows what "best" means. What is quality? In fact, when pressed, many physicians and nurses haven't a clue as to what metrics go into assessing the quality of care delivered by their hospital. Many will seize upon the catch phrase, "evidence based medicine" and claim that it is the best docs and centers that practice this. Of course one next must define what is meant by evidence based care and we are often met with blank stares. Please do not mention that over 40% of patients do not receive the recommended care due them. And of course there are those pesky 15 million episodes of patient harm that must be happening at some of these best hospitals with some of these best doctors...98,000 people [at least] di...